From Blue Force Gear…
Miss the OD Green slings? So do we. Despite a mass shortage of Olive Drab webbing, we managed to source enough material to make a few Vickers Slings for all you hardcore OD fans. OD Slings are currently available in padded and unpadded options from Blue Force Gear.
I picked up 4 of these OD Green padded VCAS the last time they were available. I suspect this run won’t last long.
There are times where maintaining visibility is a matter of convenience and then there are times when it is a matter of life and death. HiViz tacStrips from JAVRAN are all about being seen.
JAVRAN makes several different versions of the HiViz tacStrips. This review will deal with the Velcro backed version.
HiViz tacStrips are pretty simple. They are simply reflective material that has hook Velcro material sewn to the back. The concept may be simple but the execution and quality is better than any other similar product that I have seen, most of which rely on adhesives to attach the reflective material to the Velcro. JAVRAN folds the edges of the reflective material under before sewing on the Velcro. This results in a very clean edge that resists separation.
The best thing about the HiViz tacStrips may be the variety of sizes and colors that are offered. JAVRAN has sizes available to cover most of the common Velcro panel sizes commonly found on gear. They have 5×1” and 3×1” name tape sizes, 2×3” flag sizes, and more. Additionally, they will work with you for custom sizes. They are available in a growing number of colors including red, white, blue, orange, and green.
I have tested and used these in a number of ways but my favorite use for them is as a gear marker. I just stick them on my backpack and then, if I am separated from the pack in the dark, it can be found easily with a flashlight.
I have also gotten into the habit of keeping one on the cap and chest rig/plate carrier that I wear when I am training. This allows me to remain visible to other students and the trainer during low light training. A reflective patch on your cap can also be a great safety measure if you are a road runner.
Different colors have varying levels of reflectivity. I was able to test white, blue, and red. I found that white was by far the brightest, followed by blue. Red reflects differently depending on the light it is reflecting. If it is reflecting a blue-white light source, it reflects very weakly. Light sources with warmer color temperatures reflect more strongly from the red material. If you use a lot of cool toned LED lights, you may find that red doesn’t reflect as much as you would like.
If you have an MPIL from Battle Systems LLC, you may want to pick up a HiViz tacStrip or two because they work great as a visible light reflector on the MPIL.
There is nothing revolutionary here. HiViz tacStrips are just well-executed and their numerous size and color options, coupled with their quality, combine to make them better than anything similar that I have tried.
When you think of appendix carry, you typically think of inside-the-waistband holsters. Snake Hound Machine (SHM) wants to change that with their Appendectomy Low Pro Holster.
The Appendectomy is a Kydex outside-the-waistband that is designed to be carried in the appendix position. It rides very high and is canted aggressively. SHM claims that it rides very close to the body that it “conceals like an IWB with out the discomfort associated with IWB holsters.” Like all appendix carry holsters, it offers an easier draw with the support hand than tradition holsters.
The Appendectomy Low Pro Holster is available for a number of popular compact handguns like the GLOCK 26/27, S&W M&P Shield, Ruger LCP, and others. It is also available in several colors and multiple belt sizes.
A classic is reborn. SKD is reintroducing the Universal Chest Rig under their in house PIG label.
This new rig is based on the original Eagle Universal Chest Rig / SKD Version which was was based on the original Eagle Universal Chest Rig that was designed by Paul Howe. It became a classic for its combination of versatility, simplicity, quality, and reasonable price. Eagle was unable to keep SKD supplied with these rigs so they were perpetually out of stock. Now, with the introduction of the UCR under their in house PIG label, SKD will be able to more closely control the production of this popular chest rig.
The new version features several upgrades that make this old standby seem a bit more fresh including:
According to SKD…
The PIG UCR still carries 2 x M4 mags (USGI/PMAG/Lancer) or 1 x 7.62 mag (SR-25/AR10) per each of its 4 rifle mag pouches. The 4 pistol mag pouches up front are ideal for double stack pistol magazines, flashlights, utility tools or other similarly shaped items. The Molle on the side of the chest rig allows for additional ammo, first aid, radio or utility pouches. The PIG UCR also retains the mesh stash pocket and the internal Map Pocket of the original Paul Howe CR-UTV-MS with velcro closure along the top of the rig. As with all Patrol Incident Gear tactical nylon gear, the PIG UCR is proudly made in the USA!
Check out the new PIG Universal Chest Rig on SKDTAC.com.
Every once in a while I like to check in on NukoTools to see sort of pain infliction tools Norman is cooking up.
The Nuko Z-Key is a compact and relatively unassuming defensive impact weapon. It can be used to hang your keys from a belt loop or to adjust an attitude. If you follow NukoTools, you may have seen the titanium prototypes of this tool. The production version is available now and is made from G-10 which is extremely tough and non-metallic.
NukoTools Z-Key
The Punchring is probably familiar to a lot of JTT readers. I have reviewed 2 versions of it in the past. The newest version is laser cut from titanium and then hand ground and finished. It features a carbide edge that will help it keep an aggressive edge.
NukoTools Carbide Punchring
You can check out both tools and find out more about NukoTools on their website.
